Getting To Know The U.S. Tryout Pool: Liz Hogan

This week we're catching up with some of the players selected to the 2014-2015 U.S. Women's Team Tryout Pool. Here's what former Syracuse All-American Liz Hogan, a current member of the U.S. National Team, had to say in preparation for this weekend's tryout:

Liz Hogan

ILW: The National Team tryout is always one of the most challenging, rigorous weekends of the year. How have you been physically preparing for the three-day tryout?

LH: I think the toughest thing being out of college is that you simply don’t get to practice every day, so it’s been important to stay in a routine as best I can. During season I was waking up early to get workouts in, but now that things have slowed down during the week I have been able to train later in the day. I’m really lucky to have three current/former USA members on staff at Virginia Tech with me, as well. They’re always willing to go out and shoot around.

ILW: You're a veteran player on the U.S. Team, what are some new approaches you've been taking in preparation for this tryout in particular?

LH: I’m a creature of habit, so not too much has changed in terms of my preparation. I still go out and do the same wall ball routine that my former Syracuse coach, Maggie Koch, taught me when I was a freshman in college. I still try to see certain kinds of shots, do the drills I’ve been taught at US practices, etc. Something I have done in the past, but have gotten more into this spring, is shooting around with guys. Obviously, having to adjust to the speed is its own challenge; but having to read a different release really forces me to work on tracking the ball (Big shout out and thanks to Joe, Meach and Davis from the VT Men’s team!).

ILW: You're now a coach in the college ranks. What are some of the training and preparation aspects of your game that have changed having been on the "other side" for a couple years now?

LH: Obviously, the biggest change has been going from practicing almost every day to finding time without a team of my own to prep. That being said, teaching the game and seeing it day in and day out has made me much more efficient in my training and has allowed me to have more perspective on what is important and what isn’t. Sometimes as a player you get caught up in things that as a coach you realize just aren’t worth your time.

ILW: What's the best piece of advice you could offer young goalkeepers hoping to make the U.S. Team someday?

LH: Never stop learning and never give up on your dreams. The more you push your own limits, the better you become as a player — so don’t be afraid to try new things. You often see the finished product on the field during games, but what you miss are the hundreds of times players have failed in practice before they got to where they are; don’t let failing stop you. “Failure is a bruise, not a tattoo.”

ILW: What have been some of the greatest challenges you've had to overcome during your career as a player? How has that helped you grow as a National Team player?

LH: Some of the greatest challenges I have faced have simply been being told I wasn’t good enough. In high school, I got cut from the Empire State team and was on the “B” team for the travel club. Looking at colleges, I was not highly recruited at all. I lucked out going to Syracuse thanks to coaches Lisa Miller and John Battaglino. Once I got to college, I tried out for this very USWNT team twice, only to be turned away. It wasn’t until my first year out of college that I finally made the team. Fact of the matter is you’re going to be told “No” at some point or other in your career, but what I have taken from these experiences is to never let it stop you from working hard and to cherish every opportunity and moment you are given. You never know if another one might come along.

ILW: An All-American at Syracuse, what is it like getting a chance to play with former teammates again on the National Team?

LH: Oh man, it’s a dream come true! I’m lucky in that I get to see a lot of the ‘Cuse family out on the recruiting trails, but it’s truly something special to be able to play with former teammates again, especially at such a competitive level.

ILW: You've played against some of the world's top attackers and offensive midfielders. Who are some of the players that have given you some of the toughest shots you've ever faced over the years?

LH: That’s a tough question! When Gary was still playing in the NLL in my early college days he used to shoot on me... and I think it goes without saying he has one of the toughest shots, especially in terms of being able to place the ball. Katie Rowan is kind of a silent killer, she’s not flash — but she always gets it done. Katrina Dowd has some of the best finishes in the game and is always pushing the limits in terms of creativity. Internationally, Dana Dobbie has that box style of play that is always challenging and keeping me on my toes.

ILW: What is the most rewarding aspect of playing on the National Team?

LH: You really can’t top the honor of being able to wear the Red, White and Blue. It’s a very special thing to be able to say that you represent and compete for your country.